Mini /Junior Section Guide Version History Ver. No. Ver. Date Revised By Description 1.0 04/04/2008 G.Gazzard Initial draft 2.0 18/07/2008 M.Jay Second draft Page 1 of 25
Table of Contents 1. Introduction...3 1.1. Scope...3 1.2. Purpose...3 2. Organisation...4 2.1. Coaching and Team Management structure...5 3. Team Management and Coaching Capability...6 3.1. Minimum requirements...6 4. Rugby for All Philosophy : Development and Competition...8 Mini Midi Rugby at Burton RFC U6 to U12...8 Junior Rugby at Burton RFC U13 to U17...9 5. Appendix...10 5.1. Club Coach Coordinator...10 5.2. CRB Step by Step Process...11 5.3. RFU Proficiency Awards...12 5.4. Player and Parent Code of Conduct...13 5.5. Incident Form...16 5.6. Long Term Athlete Development...17 5.7. Policy & Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union...18 5.8. RFU Parent Guide...20 Page 2 of 25
1. Introduction 1.1.Scope This guide covers Burton RFC Age Grade rugby for players aged 5 to 17 and includes sections for: Organisation Capability Player development & competition Ethos. 1.2.Purpose This guide compliments the Burton RFC Mini / Junior Constitution and Rules and is intended as a reference and source of information for: Players Parents Coaches & Team Managers Representatives of Burton RFC The guide will be reviewed annually at the Mini Junior AGM and updated where necessary by the Mini Junior Secretary. Page 3 of 25
2. Organisation The following diagram illustrates the organisational context of the Mini Junior section. Standing Committees Mini Junior Section Representation 1 st XV A XV B XV Vets XV Colts XV Coaching/Training Support for the Mini Junior section Staffordshire RU Burton RFC Representation Mini Junior Section Committee Chairman Vice Chairman Treasurer Fixtures Secretary Secretary Welfare Officer Support Officer/s Players Registrar Club Coach Co-ordinator Age Group Representatives Under 6 to Under 12 Mini Midi age grade squads Under 13 to Under 17 Junior age grade squads Page 4 of 25
2.1.Coaching and Team Management structure The coaching and team management of each age grade squad must meet the following criteria: Notes: 1 x Team manager Primarily responsible for the effective administration of the team and providing coaching support if necessary 1 x Lead coach Primarily responsible for the effective coaching of the team. The Lead coach should liaise with the Club Coach Co-ordinator ( See Appendix Club Coach Coordinator) and senior squad coaches for experience and assistance. A guest coach can bring a different approach/voice to the players rugby experience, 1 x Assistant coach supports the Lead coach and Team manager The minimum management/coaching requirement for running a mini junior team is considered to be two people a Team manager and a Lead coach. The minimum age of the Team manager and Lead coach should normally be not less than18 years of age The minimum age of an Assistant coach should normally be not less than 16 years of age 1) The Mini Junior Committee must approve all age grade Lead Coach appointments and be aware of all coaches and team managers involved with each age group. The Mini Junior section Secretary to maintain records. 2) Where an age grade squad is particularly large, or where there is potential for two teams within the age grade, it may be possible to nominate further assistant coaches to be approved based on evidence presented by the existing management/coaching team. RFU guidelines Ratio for Under 8s should be a maximum of 1:8, for Under 12s 1:12 and older age groups 1:15. 3) Each age grade is an integral part of the Mini Junior section and there should be an effective two-way communication and support from the Mini Junior committee to the age grade and from the age grade to the Mini Junior committee. 4) The coaching and team management of each age grade squad are encouraged to be Club members / Patrons. Page 5 of 25
3. Team Management and Coaching Capability It is of vital importance that all staff, coaches and volunteers are of the highest calibre and are safe to work with children and young people. Consequently it is crucial that stringent and reasonable steps are taken to prevent people from entering the sport who may pose a threat to the safety and welfare of young people. 3.1.Minimum requirements Each age grade Team Manager, Lead Coach and Assistant coach must have a valid Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure See Appendix CRB Step by Step Process Anyone that has regular supervisory contact with young players under 18 years of age must have been CRB checked. All coaches should achieve as a minimum the qualification of RFU Level one rugby coaching. In addition coaches will be supported in their endeavours to continue their coaching development. The Club Coach Co-ordinator is a valuable source of information and guidance in this matter. All courses must be approved in advance by the Mini Junior Chairman and paid for by the individual. Fees for approved courses will be reimbursed A minimum of one member of the age grade must attain a suitable First Aid qualification. The Welfare Officer will determine the suitability of qualifications. All Team managers and Coaches must be aware of the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union (Guidance) document All Team managers and Coaches must be aware of the RFU child protection & safeguarding policy document. This document offers a clear guide as to the conduct of adults working with young people in the game. The policy seeks to protect all young people who come into contact with adults around the rugby club environment and extends from the clubs grounds and buildings, to tours, the internet and other modern communication devices. See Appendix Polcy & Procedures for the Welfare if Young People in Rugby Union Page 6 of 25
Notes: At least one Team manager or Coach per Age Grade must attend the Safeguarding and Protecting Children course All Team managers and Coaches must be aware of and uphold the Burton RFC Code of Conduct for Coaches. Team managers and coaches must comply with the relevant RFU / RFUW age grade Laws of the game and IRB Regulation rules. See www.rfu.com Community Rugby webpages for more information or ask the Coach co-ordinator.. The age grade Team manager or coaches must ensure that the Mini Junior committee is notified of any breach of Burton RFC Codes of Conduct for parents and players. See Appendix Codes of Conduct Each age grade should provide a representative at the Mini Junior Committee meetings. This representative should usually be a coach or team manager however a parent volunteer can represent the section by exception. A committee member may also represent an age group at the committee meetings, however it is encouraged that where possible an additional age group member attends as well. Violation of the code of conduct and action to be taken: If as a parent/guardian, player, coach or observer you feel that part of the code of conduct is being broken, it is essential that this is raised with a coach or the team manager or the Welfare Officer, who will deal with the matter in the appropriate manner. It is essential that this is done quickly so that action can be taken to address the concern. In cases of inappropriate player behaviour each instance will be noted with the coach. If this behaviour is disruptive to the enjoyment of the session or other players and coaches, action will be taken. Action for cases of inappropriate player behaviour: 1. First incident player will be told to correct behaviour in session. (Yellow card) 2. Second incident player will be asked to stand on sidelines for remainder of session. (Red card) 3. Subsequent incidents parent will be informed and appropriate action taken Page 7 of 25
4. Rugby for All Philosophy : Development and Competition Burton RFC Mini Junior section supports affordable Rugby for All in a family friendly club. Parents wanting to ensure their son/daughter enjoys rugby in a safe enjoyable environment should be encouraged to talk with coaches and team managers after reading the RFU Parent Guide See Appendix This objective is often challenging when dealing with a wide range of player abilities and experience within age grades and also the large number of players within age grades. Burton RFC and the Mini Junior section will endeavour to provide equitable opportunities for all rugby players who wish to play to the best of their ability. Mini Midi Rugby at Burton RFC U6 to U12 All Age Grades in this category must adhere to the RFU Continuum The Rugby Continuum is the structured progression to cover the introduction, teaching, playing and coaching of rugby in three incremental stages of Under 7-8, Under 9-10, and Under 11-12. All players should be given fair and reasonable opportunities to enjoy playing and training in safety. Priority should NOT be on playing to win at all costs and only playing the best players. The U6, U7, U8 and U9 sections should be encouraged to adopt and run the RFU Proficiency award scheme. See Appendix RFU Proficiency Awards The Rugby Union Proficiency Awards are an important tool to help players, and coaches assess rugby union skills. They are designed to be an enjoyable method by which players can identify their strong skills and the skills that they need to develop. They can also assess their fitness for Rugby Union. Each Award contains a series of tests suitable for each age banding in the game up for U7 to adult. Points are scored for each test and the total for the whole award is banded into bronze, silver or gold level. Certificates are available for each award. The U10, U11 and U12 Age Grades may develop a more competitive and physical approach to rugby however fairness and equality in squad selection should be retained. Page 8 of 25
Junior Rugby at Burton RFC U13 to U17 All age grades providing junior rugby opportunities at Burton RFC should follow the ethos of Rugby for all. This should be achieved through effective training sessions, competitive participation in league and cup competitions and where necessary, additional friendly fixtures arranged to meet the needs of the entire squad. All ages grades should endeavour to field competitive and safe rugby teams in league and cup competitions. Whilst the team may not be capable of winning against better opposition, they must be safe and capable of meeting the physical challenges of the game. All players may not be given equal game time during a match however coaches must endeavour to balance the teams performance with the players developmental requirements All age grades must endeavour to ensure that all players received suitable, relevant and appropriate coaching. Additional experienced coaches from within the club may be engaged to assist whenever appropriate. All age grades should endeavour to monitor player development and be aware of the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model. See Appendix Long Term Athelete Development All players must be given the opportunity to develop as complete rugby players. Junior age grades are encouraged to support the County representative and Schools of Rugby programmes by nominating players for trials. Page 9 of 25
5. Appendix 5.1. Club Coach Coordinator Role & Responsibilities: Point of contact at the club for RFU Coaching Dept Contact at the club for all Club Coaches Have a clear understanding of the RFU Coaching structure and available courses Actively promote all RFU courses (Foundation, Award and CPD Courses) Consider the implementation of or initiate a Club Coaching Development Plan. Identify needs and liaise with CB Coaching Committees, Community Rugby Coach and Club Coach Developer for the delivery of specific Foundation & CPD courses at the club Page 10 of 25
5.2. CRB Step by Step Process Complete CRB disclosure application form as per guidance from Club Welfare Officer or CRB website www.disclosure.gov.uk Return completed form to your Club Welfare Officer who will send it onwards to the RFU s Child Protection Unit for processing. Forms sorted and filed in date order for processing. An incorrectly completed form will be returned to the applicant for amendment, along with an explanation as to the reason. Disclosure form processed and entered onto the RFU Database. Once entered the application form will be forwarded to the Criminal Records Bureau. The CRB will then produce two copies of a Disclosure Certificate. One copy will be returned to the Applicant and one copy will be forwarded to the RFU Child Protection Unit. A Disclosure Certificate containing information will be forwarded to the RFU Referral Management Group who may ask for more information. A CRB disclosure received by the RFU will be valid for three years from the issue date stated on the CRB Certificate. Once this three year period has elapsed, a new CRB Disclosure Application will be sent to the applicant for renewal. Page 11 of 25
5.3. RFU Proficiency Awards The Rugby Union Proficiency Awards are currently in five sections. 1. Introduction to Rugby Award o Running, handling and introducing the Tag tackle activities 2. Tag Rugby Award o Running, handling and Tag tackle tests 3. U8 to U11 Fitness Award o Speed, agility, power, anaerobic endurance and speed endurance tests 4. Mini Rugby Award o Running, handling and contact tests 5. Rugby Skills Award o Running, handling, contact and kicking tests These five sections are available in 3 separate packs: i. Primary School Pack o Containing Introduction to Rugby Award, Tag Rugby Award and U8 to U11 Fitness Award ii. Secondary School, College and University Pack o Containing Tag Rugby Award and Rugby Skills Award iii. Club Pack o Containing Introduction to Rugby Award, Tag Rugby Award, U8 to U11 Fitness Award, Mini Rugby Award and Rugby Skills Award Page 12 of 25
5.4. Player and Parent Code of Conduct The Good Player's Code Young players should recognise that many people in Rugby Union are working to provide a safe and enjoyable game in which they can develop both as a player and as an individual. In Rugby Union, young players are encouraged to: Recognise and appreciate the efforts made by coaches, parents, match officials and administrators in providing them with the opportunity to play the game and enjoy the rugby environment Understand the values of loyalty and commitment to adults and teammates, Recognise that every young player has a right to expect their involvement in rugby to be safe and free from all types of abuse, Understand that if an individual or group of young players feel that they are not being treated in a manner that is acceptable, then they have a right to tell an adult, either at the rugby club or outside of the game. In Rugby Union, as a young player, you should: Play because you want to do so, not to please coaches or parents Remember, skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the game, Be attentive at all training/coaching sessions Work equally hard for yourself and your team and both will then benefit Recognise good play by ALL players on your team and by your opponents Be a sportsman - win or lose Play to the laws of the game and accept, without question, all the referee's decisions Control your emotions. Verbal or physical abuse of team-mates, opponents or match officials IS NOT ACCEPTABLE Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Do not interfere with, bully or take unfair advantage of any player. Page 13 of 25
The Good Parent Code In Rugby Union, coaches and administrators both fully acknowledge that parents are an integral part of the partnership which ensures that young players enjoy their involvement in the sport and experience an environment in which they can flourish. In Rugby Union, parents are encouraged to: Be familiar with the coaching and training programme in order that they can ensure that their child is fully involved and the coaches are aware of their availability Be familiar with the teaching and coaching methods used by observing the sessions in which their child participates Be aware that the club has a duty of care and therefore, where appropriate, assist coaches with the supervision of the young players, particularly where numbers are large and there is a need to transport youngsters to away games Be involved with club activities and share your expertise Share concerns, if you have them, with club officials Be familiar with the "Good Coach Code" - in particular coaches should recognise the importance of fun and enjoyment when coaching young players, coaches should keep winning and losing in perspective, encouraging young players to behave with dignity in all circumstances. It is important that parents support coaches in instilling these virtues. In Rugby Union, parents should: Remember that young play rugby for their own enjoyment, not that of their parents Encourage young people to play - do not force them Focus on the young players' efforts rather than winning or losing Be realistic about the young players' abilities - do not push them towards a level that they are not capable of achieving Provide positive verbal feedback both in training and during the game Remember that persistent, negative messages will adversely affect the players' and referee's performance and attitude Page 14 of 25
Always support the rugby club in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse or abusive behaviour from the game Remember, young people learn much by example Always show appreciation of good play by all young players, both from your own club and the opposition Respect decisions made by the match officials and encourage the young players to do likewise. Page 15 of 25
5.5. Incident Form Page 16 of 25
5.6. Long Term Athlete Development Rugby is a late specialisation sport, which requires a generalised approach to early training During this time, children are developmentally ready to acquire the fundamental movement skills that are the cornerstones of all athletic development. The introduction of the ABCs of athleticism (agility, balance, co-ordination, speed) during this period will lay the foundation of athletic excellence for later years. The Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) strategy is based on the required technical, tactical, mental and physiological requirements of sporting performance. STAGE 1 FUNDAMENTAL MOVEMENT SKILLS STAGE 2 FUNDAMENTAL RUGBY SKILLS STAGE 3 BUILDING THE POTENTIAL RUGBY SPECIFIC CORE SKILLS STAGE 4 OPTIMISING THE POTENTIAL RUGBY POSITIONAL AND UNIT SKILLS STAGE 5 MAXIMISING THE POTENTIAL STAGE 6 RECRUIT, RETAIN, RETRAIN, THROUGHOUT LIFE Page 17 of 25
5.7. Policy & Procedures for the Welfare of Young People in Rugby Union Page 18 of 25
Page 19 of 25
5.8. RFU Parent Guide Page 20 of 25
Page 21 of 25
Page 22 of 25
Page 23 of 25
Page 24 of 25
5.9. Subscriptions Policy for Mini Junior members Scope This policy describes the arrangement for the fair and equitable payment of Mini Junior membership subscription for players under the age of 17 on 1 st September Objective The Burton Rugby Football Club Mini Junior Section constitution has an objective (Ref 2.1.1) to Continue to offer affordable sport by maintaining Subs at an affordable level. The subscription rate is agreed by the clubs Management Committee. This policy defines affordable in terms of a request for payment of the membership subscription rate after the 1 st September. Policy Parents must be encouraged to attend the Registration Evening (normally the last Friday evening before the first Sunday coaching in September) and complete the Registration / Membership forms & make full payment Registration / membership application and payment must be made before the new member has participated in 4 coaching sessions Between 1 st September and 31 st December the membership subscription rate will be the full rate set by the club s Management Committee (as published in the Member s Card (Fixtures booklet) Between 1 st January and 30 th April the membership subscription rate will be 50% of the full rate set by the club s Management Committee (as published in the Member s Card (Fixtures booklet) Guidance notes Coaches and Team managers must work with the Registrar to ensure that members are registered and have paid the annual membership subscription promptly. Coaches and Team managers must ensure that they record a new members participation in coaching sessions and that parents are provided with Registration / Membership forms before the completion of 4 coaching sessions. New members must not participate in club matches until completion of Registration / Membership application and payment. Page 25 of 25